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Veteran's Affairs

Applicants

When you apply for admission to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a student veteran, the CSUN Office of Veterans Affairs will review your documents and assist you with the admissions process. We welcome your questions at any time—before, during and after—your application process.

Undergraduate Student

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Impaction

Though California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is impacted for first-time undergraduate applicants, student veterans are EXEMPT from both kinds of impaction (local admission area and impacted major requirements).

Are You an Undergraduate Applicant?

An undergraduate student has not yet earned a first bachelor's degree. Undergraduates can be first-time freshmen who've never earned college credit as well as transfer students who've already taken college courses.

Wherever you are in your undergraduate career, our team of veterans coordinators will assist you with the process of CSUN admission and the certification of your VA educational benefits.

Admissions Criteria

1. Determine your undergraduate class level based on the number of transferable college credits you have already completed:

You are a first-time freshman if you have earned no college credit after the summer immediately following high school graduation.

You are a lower-division transfer student if you have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester units of college credit (90 quarter units) after the summer immediately following high school graduation. Lower-division transfer applicants should:

Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all transferable college units;

Be in good standing at the last college or university attended;

Have completed the CSU General Education Writing and Mathematics courses with a grade of C- or better; and

You are an upper-division transfer student if you have completed at least 60 semester units (90 quarter units), including the CSU General Education Writing, Mathematics, Critical Thinking and Speech Communication course requirements. To earn a CSUN bachelor's degree in an approved major in only 60 more units, read about the Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) and California Promise Program.

2. Review the admissions criteria for your class level (select the first-time freshman or upper-division transfer links above). If you won't be able to meet these requirements and deadlines, please contact us for assistance. We welcome your questions.

How to Apply

1. Once you've contacted us to confirm your status as a student veteran, complete the online application at Cal State Apply. Have important documents (grades, transcripts, test scores) handy for reference.

2. Provide us with your official transcripts* and the required documents/items listed below:

$55 nonrefundable CSU application fee. Cal State Apply will automatically calculate your eligibility for the $55 application fee waiver when you complete the "Income and Household Questions" section. To submit the online application, the $55 fee must be paid or waived.Please note: Starting with the Fall 2020 admission cycle, the CSU application fee will increase to $70.

Official high school transcripts if you have earned fewer than 60 college semester units

SAT or ACT test scores if you have earned fewer than 60 college semester units. If you have recently taken SAT or ACT and arranged for CSUN to receive your scores, they will be sent to us electronically.

Official preliminary (work-in-progress) transcripts for all college courses you are currently taking. Follow up with official final transcripts once you have completed the course work and grades are posted.

DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge. Even if you do not plan to claim VA educational benefits, submit this form to qualify for priority registration.

COE (Certificate of Eligibility) for VA benefits

You will need to activate your CSUN account to upload the documents through the portal. See "After You Apply" below.

*All transcripts must be official: we must receive them in sealed, unopened envelopes from the school, or electronically. If you are transferring course work from a California community college participating in eTranscript California, CSUN will receive, and can evaluate, your e-transcripts quickly. Please see the instructions at eTranscript California.

3. Deliver your paper documents for the semester of your desired admission by mail or in person:

After You Apply

After you have applied to CSUN, make sure the rest of your admissions process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for an “Activate Your CSUN Account” email from CSUN Admissions and Records sent to the address you provided in Cal State Apply. You should receive the email 1 or 2 days after applying online. Helpful: account activation instructions

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.

Credential Student

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Credential Programs

Applicants to a CSUN credential program are considered for admission as post-baccalaureate classified students. Two applications are required: one to the University and the other to the desired Credential Program. Many credential programs have higher admission standards than the university admission criteria. So please review:

After You Apply

After you have applied to the Credential Program and the University, make sure the rest of your admissions process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for an “Activate Your CSUN Account” email from CSUN Admissions and Records sent to the address you provided in Cal State Apply. You should receive the email 1 or 2 days after applying online. For help, see account activation instructions.

Monitor your application status. Log into myNorthridge Portal, locate “My Checklist," and review your Incomplete Tasks such as missing transcripts. For help with the portal, see the How To Guides.

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.

DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge. Even if you do not plan to claim VA educational benefits, submit this form online to qualify for priority registration.

COE (Certificate of Eligibility) for VA benefits

You will need to activate your CSUN account to access myNorthridge Portal.

Send Us Your Transcripts

Send us official transcripts* for all of the following:

All courses taken at other colleges and universities previously attended

Preliminary transcripts for work-in-progress if you are in the final term of earning a degree. Follow up by sending final transcripts as soon as you complete the courses and your grades and degree are posted.

Enclose transcripts with your paper university application packet if possible.

*All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official (received in sealed, unopened envelopes) even when enclosed with your application packet.

In some cases, transcripts may be sent to CSUN electronically. Check with your previous institution. If you are sending us California community college transcripts, save time with eTranscript California.

Two Application Processes

Applicants to master's and doctoral programs must typically apply to both the university and the academic department. Many departments have higher admission standards than the university admission criteria and require a separate departmental application.

While most graduate programs continue accepting applications after the initial filing period, individual programs may have earlier filing deadlines than the university deadlines, or they may accept applications only for fall (not spring) admission.

For individual program filing requirements and deadlines, contact the department of interest at Graduate Programs.

Admissions Criteria - Master's Degree Programs

Applicants are considered for admission to CSUN when they meet both university and individual department eligibility requirements. To be considered for admission to CSUN as a graduate student in a master's program, applicants must meet the following university requirements (items A–C below) and department requirements (item D below):

A. Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; and

B. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; and

C. Have satisfied one of the following conditions:

Have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, independent of when the degree was granted; or,

Have attained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended. The entire semester or quarter in which the 60/90 units began will be used in the calculation; or,

Have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, or

Have attained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended.

D. Meet the higher admission standards of the individual master's program even when the applicant has met the minimum university requirements (items A–C above). The applications of students who meet the university requirements for admission and who desire admission to a master's program will be reviewed in the appropriate academic department. The department will then determine whether or not the student meets requirements for admission to its program. Visit the website for the department of interest to review the professional, personal, scholastic and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations or other screening processes as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

MANY DEPARTMENTS REQUIRE A SEPARATE DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION. For departmental application requirements and deadlines, contact the department of interest listed at Graduate Programs.

Classified Status

Students who meet both departmental and university requirements will be admitted as eitherconditionally classified or classified graduate students. Conditionally classified or classified graduate students may enroll in 500- and 600-level courses although in some programs enrollment is limited to the classified student. Graduate students must follow a specific course of instruction identified to them by the department graduate coordinator and described in the current University Catalog for individual master's degree options and doctorate options.

Admissions Criteria - Doctoral Programs

To apply to a CSUN doctoral program, begin by reviewing admission eligibility requirements on the individual program website. Complete the university application only after you have been accepted to the doctoral program. See below.

Master's program applicants: Review admission requirements for your desired graduate program in the University Catalog and contact the department to determine whether higher admission standards, an additional departmental application, and/or other documents are required.

Doctoral program applicants: Visit the program website for specific admission application instructions.

After You Apply

After you have applied to CSUN, make sure the rest of your admissions process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for an “Activate Your CSUN Account” email sent to the address you provided in Cal State Apply. You should receive it 1 or 2 days after applying. For help, see account activation instructions.

If the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by your graduate program, have your GRE test score sent to the ETS code for CSUN: 4707.

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.

All courses taken at other colleges and universities previously attended

Preliminary transcripts for work-in-progress if you are in the final term of earning a degree. Follow up by sending final transcripts as soon as you complete the courses and your grades and degree are posted.

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A post-baccalaureate student who holds a recognized bachelor's degree from an accredited institution may pursue a program leading to a second bachelor's degree in approved majors. The major cannot be the same as the previously awarded degree.

Approved Majors

Second BA or BS applications are strictly limited at this time.

For a list of available majors and their application filing status (open or closed), see the Admissions Calendar.

Admissions Criteria

A second bachelor's degree applicant is admitted to CSUN as a graduate student and must meet all of the following requirements:

The applicant has an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all units attempted as an undergraduate, independent of when the degree was granted; and

the applicant has an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted from all post-secondary institutions attended. The entire semester or quarter in which the 60/90 units began will be used in the calculation; and

the applicant holds an acceptable post-baccalaureate degree earned at a regionally accredited institution.

How to Apply

Remit the $55 nonrefundable CSU application fee online in Cal State Apply. The fee must be paid to submit the application.Please note: Starting with the Fall 2020 admission cycle, the CSU application fee will increase to $70.

After You Apply

After you have applied to CSUN, make sure the rest of your admissions process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for the “Activate Your CSUN Account” email from CSUN Admissions and Records sent to the address you provided in Cal State Apply. You should receive the email 1 or 2 days after you apply. For help, see account activation instructions.

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.

DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge. Even if you do not plan to claim VA educational benefits, submit this form online to qualify for priority registration.

COE (Certificate of Eligibility) for VA benefits

Send Us Your Transcripts

Soon after you apply to CSUN, send us official transcripts for all of the following:

All courses taken at other colleges and universities previously attended

Preliminary transcripts for work-in-progress if you are in the final term of earning a degree. Follow up by sending final transcripts as soon as you complete the courses and your grades and degree are posted.

All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official (received in sealed, unopened envelopes). Ask your previous schools to send your official transcripts directly to us.

In some cases, transcripts may be sent to CSUN electronically. Check with your previous institution. If you are sending us California community college transcripts, save time with eTranscript California.

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A returning student is one who has completed non-extension course work in a previous spring or fall semester at CSUN. Returning students include those in good academic standing and those wishing to return after previous disqualification in their last semester at CSUN.

Returning in Good Academic Standing

3. Send us your official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN. Send preliminary transcripts for any work-in-progress now and follow up with final transcripts when you complete the course(s) and your grades are posted.

Save time and money! If you are transferring course work from a California community college, please see the instructions at eTranscript California.

If you have not taken courses elsewhere, no transcripts are required.

4. See “How to Apply” below.

Disqualified in Last Semester at CSUN

Freshmen, Transfer Students and Second Bachelor's Students

As a previously disqualified student, you must demonstrate acquired skills or achievements that support a successful return to the University. Such evidence may include successful completion of courses in your degree program at another institution or through the Tseng College (extended learning) with grades that demonstrate the ability to achieve good standing in a reasonable time frame if you are readmitted to CSUN. You are strongly urged to meet with your CSUN academic advisor to discuss readmission requirements.

FALL 2020 ADMISSION: Please note the previously disqualified applicant process and deadlines in the following table. Then review the eligibility requirements below it.

FALL 2020 DEADLINES FOR PREVIOUSLY DISQUALIFIED APPLICANTS

Semester of Disqualification

University Application Required?

Application Deadline

Previously Disqualified Questionnaire Deadline

Prior to Fall 2019

Yes

November 30, 2019

April 1, 2020

End of Fall 2019

Yes

April 1, 2020.

April 1, 2020

To be considered for readmission, previously disqualified freshmen, transfer and second bachelor's students will need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Complete the 4 basic subjects for CSU general education: Writing, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, and Speech Communication courses with a "C" or better. (Students re-applying as Engineering or Computer Science majors do not have to complete Critical Thinking prior to admission.)

2. Before you apply, contact an advisor in your desired major to determine their specific readmission criteria. After you apply, an advisor, associate dean, and the Office of Undergraduate Studies will complete a review to determine your admissibility.

3. Reapply to the university based on the date your were disqualified:

If disqualified prior to the fall 2019 semester: Apply online at Cal State Apply before the Fall 2020 application filing deadline on November 30, 2019.

If disqualified at the end of the fall 2019 semester: Apply online at Cal State Apply before the April 1, 2020 deadline.

4. Complete the Previously Disqualified Student Questionnaire (.pdf) and submit it to the Office of Admissions & Records. If possible, file the questionnaire at the time you apply on Cal State Apply but no later than the deadline on the form. To be considered for Fall 2020 readmission, file your completed questionnaire on or before April 1, 2020.

5. Submit official college transcripts of all course work taken after your last attendance at CSUN, including work-in-progress now. Follow up with final transcripts when you complete the course(s) and your grades are posted.

Save time and money! If you are transferring course work from a California community college, please see the instructions at eTranscript California.

6. See "How to Apply" below.

How to Apply

1. Once you've contacted us to confirm your status as a student veteran, complete the online CSU university application at Cal State Apply. Have important documents (grades, transcripts, test scores) handy for reference.

2. Remit the $55 nonrefundable CSU application fee in Cal State Apply. Cal State Apply will automatically calculate your eligibility for the $55 fee waiver when you complete the "Income and Household Questions" section. To submit the online application, the $55 fee must be paid or waived.

3. Provide us with your official transcripts* and the required documents/items listed below:

Official high school transcripts if you have earned fewer than 60 college semester units

SAT or ACT test scores if you have earned fewer than 60 college semester units. If you have recently taken SAT or ACT and arranged for CSUN to receive your scores, they will be sent to us electronically.

Official preliminary (work-in-progress) transcripts for all college courses you are currently taking. Follow up with official final transcripts once you have completed the course work and grades are posted.

DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge. Even if you do not plan to claim VA educational benefits, submit this form to qualify for priority registration.

COE (Certificate of Eligibility) for VA benefits

You will need to activate your CSUN account to upload the documents through the portal. See "After You Apply" below.

*All transcripts must be official: we must receive them in sealed, unopened envelopes from the school, or electronically. If you are transferring course work from a California community college participating in eTranscript California, CSUN will receive, and can evaluate, your e-transcripts quickly. Please see the instructions at eTranscript California.

After You Apply

After you have applied to CSUN, make sure the rest of your admission process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for an “Activate Your CSUN Account” email from Admissions and Records sent to the inbox you provided in Cal State Apply. You should receive it 1 or 2 days after applying online. For help, see account activation instructions.

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.

Returning Student - Graduate

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Returning Graduates

A returning student is one who has completed non-extension course work in a previous spring or fall semester at CSUN. Returning students include those in good academic standing and those wishing to return after previous disqualification in their last semester at CSUN.

Please find readmission information for returning graduate, credential, or second bachelor's degree applicants below. Whatever your situation, our team of veterans coordinators will assist you with the process of CSUN readmission and the certification of your VA Educational Benefits. Contact us in the CSUN Veterans Affairs Office, Bayramian Hall 150, phone (818) 677-5928 or email veteransmail@csun.edu.

Send us your official transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since you last attended CSUN. Send preliminary transcripts for any work-in-progress and follow up with final transcripts when you complete the course(s) and your grades are posted. If you have not taken courses elsewhere, no transcripts are required.

See “How to Apply” below.

Disqualified in Last Semester at CSUN

Readmission of previously disqualified graduate and credential students will be determined by their respective graduate or credential programs. Read more at:

How to Apply

All returning graduate students, whether in good standing or previously disqualified, should apply for admission as follows:

1. Review the application filing status (open or closed) for your academic program and desired semester of admission at Admissions Calendar.

2. Complete the required credential program application or the graduate program departmental application if any. For details, review the instructions for new credential and graduate applicants on this page.

Your military transcripts: CCAF or JST (Army, Coast, Guard, Marine Corps, Navy) and DD 214 transcripts and documents. Send these only to Admissions and Records, not the credential program or graduate department.

Final transcripts for any college or university courses you have completed since your last enrollment at CSUN. Ask the credential program or graduate department if they require duplicate transcripts in addition to those you provide to Admissions and Records.

Preliminary transcripts for any work-in-progress. Follow up by sending final transcripts as soon as you complete the courses and grades are posted.

If your current college or university is your degree school, have the final transcript sent when the degree is posted.

If you attended CSUN before 1992 and submitted official transcripts for transfer courses at that time, you must submit new transfer course transcripts.

If you are a returning student in good academic standing who has not taken courses elsewhere since your last attendance at CSUN, no transcripts are required.

All transcripts, preliminary and final, must be official (received in sealed, unopened envelopes). Ask your previous schools to send your official transcripts directly to us. In some cases, transcripts may be sent to CSUN electronically. Check with your previous school. If you are sending us California community college transcripts, save time with eTranscript California.

6. Deliver all official transcripts and other documents by mail or in person to:

After you have applied to CSUN, make sure the rest of your admissions process goes smoothly:

Set up your access to myNorthridge Portal and CSUN email. Watch for an “Activate Your CSUN Account” email sent to the address you provided in Cal State Apply 1 or 2 days after applying online. For help, see account activation instructions.

If you have applied for VA Educational Benefits, confirm with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that your request has been approved. Check your enrollment status at www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551. Your "Certificate of Eligibility" letter will indicate the percentage of benefits you have been awarded.